Dowd: The last time alcohol poisoned a defense secretary nomination
Briefly

In a remarkable turn of events, the Senate refused to confirm John Tower as Defense Secretary, marking a historic rejection that hadn’t occurred since 1959.
The White House officials engaged in a desperate negotiation over John Tower's potential alcohol consumption, discussing what types of drinks and quantities could somehow justify his nomination.
Amidst the negotiating absurdities, reporters realized they were being placed in an unexpected role—arbiters of behavior—discussing the limits of Tower’s drinking as part of a confirmation.
Despite assurances from Tower’s medical professionals that he was healthy enough for the role, the Senate ultimately deemed him unfit, reflecting the consequences of past indiscretions.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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